SAN DIEGO, CA -- The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) just released an updated version of the popular “Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification” course. The U.S. and Canadian versions of this course were updated, as well as the Spanish version.

The updated course offers a comprehensive review of the current industry installation standards, methods and practices for ceramic tile, porcelain tiles, glass tile, concrete tiles, and natural stone tiles.

The intent of the course is to teach tile installers and others the current installation standards, methods and practices so we can avoid installation problems and failures. Industry consensus groups create the standards so that we can avoid reoccurring problems known to the industry. It is critical that tile installers know the standards, so they can avoid the potential problems and the negative advertising consequences that problems bring to our industry and reputations.

Besides the industry standards being updated, the updated ITS Verification course has two new lessons and other expanded sections.

There is a new lesson on “Special Tile Applications” that includes a detailed section on “How to Install the Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels.” The lesson thoroughly reviews the product characteristics, the tools and substrate conditions needed for installing these large tile panels, and the methods for installing these tile panels for both floor and wall applications. It is loaded with photos, video clips and animations demonstrating how to properly install the products.

The “Special Tile Application lesson” also includes a section on “How to Construct Tile Showers,” which incorporates “Shower Pans,” “Curbless Showers” and “Steam Showers.” There is an expanded section on “How to Install Glass Tile and Mosaics” and a section on “How to Install Tile in Swimming Pools and other Water Features.”

There is a new section added to the “Preparing Substrates” lesson that covers the “Tile Layout Process and Options.” There is a new section in the “Tile Installation Methods” lesson that reviews the “Types of Tools Used and Needed” in a tile installation.

There is also a new lesson on “Grouting.” It covers the types of grout and how to install them, including cementitious grouts, pre-mixed grouts and epoxy grouts. It also shows the different grouting methods from using rubber floats to grout bags.

The UofCTS ITS Verification course takes about five hours to complete. Students have constant access and can come and go as they please during their 14 days of access. Tile installers who complete and pass the course can use the acronym “ITS” alongside their name designating them as ITS Verified. This verification is good for two years, at which time they need to take the updated ITS Verification course to continue to be up-to-date on the industry standards and practices, and to continue being ITS Verified. Like in any other legitimate profession, tile installers need continued education in order to stay current with changes in the industry, and with the changes in industry standards.

The updated course was created with the latest HTML5 Technology that allows students to access the courses with mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.

UofCTS Online courses are available through many key organizations in the tile and stone industry, where members receive special discounts. Courses can be purchased through the CTDA at www.ctdahome.org, through Fuse Alliance at www.fusealliance.com, through Local 18 Tile Union at www.tileunion.org, through NTCA at www.tile-assn.com, through TTMAC at www.ttmac.com, through WWCA at www.wfca.org for member rebates, or at the UofCTS website at www.uofcts.org.

To see video previews of each of the courses visit https://uofcts.org/online-courses/.

The tuition cost per course is only $150 per person and once registered, students have 14 days to complete the course, which is accessible online, 24/7. Students can print a personalized certificate when they have passed all lesson assessments with a score of 80% or better. Upon passing the course the student is provided a link to download a student reference guide that contains all of the key information from that respective course. Volume discounts are available.